Ray Dolby to be Honored at Golden Reel Awards

The Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) will remember the late American inventor Ray Dolby with a special tribute during its 61st MPSE Golden Reel Awards ceremony on Feb. 16 in Los Angeles.

Dolby, who passed away in September, was the founder of Dolby Laboratories. Since its inception in 1965, the company has pioneered work in noise reduction and surround-sound and developed state-of-the-art technologies used in the film, TV and recording industries.

“Ray Dolby was a brilliant scientist whose inventions are in use every day in recording studios, sound editing suites, mix stages and cinemas worldwide,” MPSE president Frank Morrone said in a statement. “He was a giant in our industry and we take great pride is saluting his many contributions to our craft.”

Dolby is best known for the development of his eponymous noise reduction system, which delivered sound recordings with greater clarity and fidelity, as well as the creation of the first commercially-viable surround-sound system. He holds over 50 U.S. patents and received two Academy Awards for scientific or technical achievement, a lifetime achievement award from the AMPAS and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.